Today I feel like "high mileage" should be restricted to 250k+....and even that isn't THAT impressive. 300k and more on a gasser starts to interest me a little.
I was talking to a guy yesterday who claims to have owned his '99 Silverado since high school as the original owner. He says 350k on the original 5.3, which is not absurd given the longevity of that power train. I failed to ask about the 4L60
Agreed. I had mentally set the bar at 200k+, but maybe your 250k bar is more appropriate. For example, I am going to go look at a Lexus RX tomorrow (back from the “peak Lexus” days of 2000 - 2010) with 180k on it. Barely a “high mileage” vehicle in my reckoning and experience, since it has been well-maintained per the CarFax and owner.
We have an ES model from that era now with 330k+ on it running like a top. The bar is higher for the key players.
To answer OP’s Q: the keys to a really reliable 330k lexus in great shape were, IME: 1) Mobil 1 + Lubegard in engine, 2) Regular ATF and PS changes also w/Lubegard, 3) annual drain and fill of brake reservoir, and 4) replacing worn components diligently when found - motor mounts, suspension components, hardened/cracked/leaky evap, air, etc. hoses, etc., etc. Catching all this involved nothing more than an intelligent look-around in the engine bay or under when doing oil changes or other work. Only major unscheduled or unexpected component replacements were
-Alternator - 260k,
-PS pump - 240k,
-VVT valves, and
-radiator - 275k.
All of those components TOTAL were about $350 and my labor. And all of those were within the last 90k miles - so it went to 240k with no major unscheduled work other than shocks and rear springs. I had to replace the drive axles around 280k I think, but that’s a wear item and they were cheap and easy to do.
I would be remiss to not also add that the fact it was also all miles from new in Texas and then western WA with no salt or harsh winters helped. I really like driving this car and hope to live to see it hit 1/2 million miles (should be do-able). It’s not that I’m dying ANY time soon (knock on wood), but we just are not putting 15k/20k miles a year on it any more:
(There are a couple hundred pounds of bowling balls in the trunk in this pick so don’t misinterpret the rear suspension angle).
Oh, I also should add it cost me about $15 and about three or four hours of work to restore the interior. It started looking a little worn on the leather about 300k, but this is it now:
